These are backups of previous versions. Manual pages show these files and states: /etc/passwd- Backup file for /etc/passwd. /etc/shadow- Backup file for /etc/shadow.
Note that this file is used by the tools of the shadow toolsuite, but not by all user and password management tools. See manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/oneiric/man... and manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/oneiric/man....
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.