If the fields are null when using setRetainInstance(true) then you are recreating them (the fragments) in your activity. Make sure you are setting something in onSaveInstanceState() in your activity so in onCreate() savedInstanceState will not be null, it can even be an empty bundle or useless variable, ex.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.