All micro-controllers are going to be difficult to use, because you build your circuits around them, not vice versa. From a programmer perspective, the BASIC Stamp uses PBasic which is very easy to use and understand. The PIC16F84 Micro series uses assembly, but only has 30 commands and is much more powerful IMHO.
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.