You could define a currentState variable as a static variable and then you could access it by static functions to change it's state to something witch could stop or pause your thread but I think you can use Android's internal components which are most suitable for this kind of works like Services which you could Send them a Message or it could be send back message to your activity or you cans you AsyncTask . Take a look at this.
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.