The radar buttons and "sweep" animations on the map are distracting. Is there any way to hide them?

Yes. Touch the "Change Radar" button, which is the second button from the left in the toolbar, to show or hide the radar buttons and sweep animations. More.

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.