You can use other sources than the DataContext if that is not what you need at that point. When working with ItemsControls you often may want to access the DataContext of said control rather than the item that is being templated, for that you can use a RelativeSource-Binding, e.g.
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.